Larsen Leads Call for Continued Pacific Salmon Recovery Support

WASHINGTON—Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, led a request this week for $65 million to support the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which is vital to improving salmon habitats in the Pacific Northwest.

In a letter to House appropriators Larsen and 11 other members from the West Coast asked for continued funding to support recovery of Pacific salmon, a critical species for the Northwest’s economy and environment. Larsen led a similar and successful request for FY2014 funding.

We are writing to thank you for including $65 million in the recently approved Omnibus Appropriations bill for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), and to assure you that these funds are being put to good use in restoring a vital resource in our states. We ask you to continue this support by providing $65 million for this successful program in FY 2015.

Your support for this program has resulted in impressive accomplishments in local and state salmon recovery efforts. A true partnership between the federal government, states, localities and private citizens has helped to catalyze thousands of restoration and conservation projects in the region. Under PCSRF, the National Marine Fisheries Service provides competitive funding to the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Nevada, and tribes of the Pacific Coast region to implement habitat restoration and recovery projects that contribute to the sustainability of the species.

Over the evolution of this program, NOAA Fisheries Service, states, tribes and local project managers have developed an integrated approach to track progress, measure performance, and ensure accountability. This program directly supports jobs and provides economic benefits to the communities throughout the region. Continued commitment, collaboration and resources are required to achieve the overarching goal of full recovery and sustainability.

The restoration and protection of our fisheries resources are vitally important to our economies, our states, and to the nation. This is a challenging endeavor and we appreciate your continued support for PCSRF.